Weather simulation system

ABSTRACT

A weather simulation system that generates and distributes weather data to simulation subsystems for the real time simulation of weather conditions, from three-dimensional real world data. A real world database is accessed to obtain a dataspace of weather data elements, each having a set of various weather-related parameters. For &#34;out-the-window&#34; weather displays, these data elements are preprocessed to obtain color and transparency values for each data element. The preprocessed data elements are further processed to obtain a prioritized display list of those data elements that are in a field of view. Each data element in this list is assigned a graphics primitive, whose alignment is determined by a wind vector of that data element. Pixel values are assigned to the graphics primitives, using color and transparency values of the associated data elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 08/145,761, filed Oct. 29, 1993 and entitled "Weather SimulationSystem", pending.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to weather simulation, and more particularly to aweather simulation system that generates weather data fromthree-dimensional real world data, and coordinates the weather data tosimulation subsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weather simulation is often associated with aircraft flight training.Such systems typically provide "out-the-window" displays of the terrainthat would be seen during actual flight. In addition to terrain, anenhancement to flight simulation display systems is the simulation ofweather conditions, either by simulating the output of weather-sensinginstrumentation or by illustrating weather conditions as part of theout-the-window display.

Some existing weather simulation systems provide radar video. U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,135,397, 4,667,199, and 4,493,647 are examples of radar outputsimulators. Other weather simulation systems provide a visual image ofthe weather. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,199,875, 4,016,658, and 3,826,864 areexamples of visual effects simulators.

A problem with existing weather simulation methods is that they do notprovide meteorological realism. Cloud formations are not based onreal-world weather data, but are modeled by manual composition ordigitized from two-dimensional illustrations. Another problem withexisting weather simulators is that various simulation subsystems, suchas displays of radar, through-the-window, or vehicle motion, are notcoordinated with the weather simulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a method of using a computer to generatea visual display of weather conditions, using three-dimensional digitalsource data that represent real-world weather conditions. The computeraccesses a real world database to obtain a three-dimensional set of dataelements, each data element having at least a location value, a windvector value, and a liquid water content value. During a preprocessingphase, it receives sun angle data from which the angle of the sun withrespect to the earth's surface can be calculated, and calculates a colorvalue and a transparency value for each data element, using the liquidwater content value and the sun angle data.

During a data handling phase, the simulator culls the data elements todetermine which are within a field of view. It sorts those data elementsthat are in the field of view to form a list of data elements in frontto back order. It assigns a graphics primitive to each data element. Itcovers the image plane with the graphic primitives associated with thefrontmost of the data elements, such that a certain percentage of theimage plane is covered. It repeats this covering step, using dataelements in front to back order, until the image plane has been covereda predetermined number of times or until all of the data elements havebeen used. It associates each set of data elements that cover the imageplane once with a depth bin.

During an image generation phase, the computer rasterizes the graphicsprimitives by first assigning pixel values to the primitives in thedeepest of said depth bins, using the color and transparency valuesassigned to the associated data elements. It repeats this rasterizingstep to obtain pixel values for the graphics primitive in each of thedepth bins, in back to front order, such that for each pixel, the colorand transparency values of an underlying pixel are used to derive acurrent pixel value. It displays current pixel values on a displayscreen.

For "out-the-window" applications, visual images of weather conditionsare generated in four dimensions (space plus time), to provide areal-time image of what a user would see while moving through theweather. The user is provided with scenes of visual weather indicators,such as heavy clouds and rain. This teaches the user how to interpretvisual features. Adding weather realism to simulators will improvesafety training and enhance system development. The weather simulationsystem can be easily integrated with other simulation systems, such asflight training systems.

Other applications of the system are for simulating physical systems,such as sensors, instruments, or machinery, whose operation is affectedby the weather conditions. For example, the weather simulator might beused for a radar simulation with dynamic weather conditions for thegeneration of operator displays. The method of the invention enables theradar simulator to be coordinated and synchronized to the atmosphericenvironment, and enables multiple simulators to interoperate using thesame environmental database.

The source data is processed on an "as needed" basis, so that only theairspace within the system's field of view is considered. Variouspreprocessing and data handling tasks minimize the amount of data to beprocessed so that real time displays can be generated withoutsignificant impact to the system's timing or sizing characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the processing and data storagecomponents of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system for executing the methodof the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a geographic area whose weather data isstored in database 11.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the dataspace of FIG. 3, with light fromthe sun, whose data elements represent a cloud formation.

FIG. 5 illustrates the field of view within the dataspace.

FIG. 5A illustrates the spatial distribution of culled and sorted dataelements.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate graphics primitives assigned to the dataelements.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the field of view is divided into viewing bins.

FIG. 8 illustrates how splat-type graphics primitives cover the imageplane.

FIG. 9 illustrates how billboard-type graphics primitives cover theimage plane.

FIG. 10 illustrates how a texture library may be used to assign texturesto graphics primitives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the processing and data storage componentsof a weather simulator 10 in accordance with the invention. Simulator 10uses source data from a digital weather database 11 to generate displaysthat illustrate weather conditions. The components of system 10 residein the memory of a computer system, and when executed, implement themethod of the invention.

For purposes of this description, simulator 10 is used to provide an"out-the-window" display of weather conditions for an aircraft flighttraining subsystem 12, which is comprised of a flight simulator 12a anda display 12b. However, simulator 10 could be used with various othertypes of subsystems 12. For example, the subsystem 12 may be a flighttraining system 12 that provides a display of a radar or infrared outputscreen or other flight instrumentation in operation. Thus, the displaycould be "out-the-window" of the object being simulated, or from thepoint of view of an observer. Or the subsystem 12 could have a simulator12a for some type of vehicle or outdoor equipment other than anaircraft, whose operation is affected by the weather.

Typically, simulator 10 generates a series of images on a display screenin real-time. An advantage of the invention is that the method describedherein permits such real-time rendering of weather conditions. Theembodiment of this description assumes a real time display of 30 framesper second. However, in other embodiments, single images or slower thanreal-time displays could be useful.

For flight simulation applications, a computer-based flight trainingsystem 12 provides the user with an out-the-window display of land andsky. In this case, simulator 10 could use the same computer system asused to execute subsystem 12, but with additional programming toimplement the method described herein.

Flight training system 12 provides viewpoint data, so that the weatherdisplay can be located with respect to the viewpoint of a user. Forapplications other than flight training, other means for providing fieldof view data could be used, and for this reason, flight training system12 could be generally described as a "field of view generator". Forexample, where subsystem 12 is a radar display, the field of view isdefined by parameters such as antenna beam width, pulse repetitionfrequency, azimuth scan limits, and radar range scale. Also, asexplained below, subsystem 12 may receive weather data from system 10for use in simulating the effects of the weather on the motion of asimulated vehicle or machine, such as an aircraft.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system 20 for executing themethod of the invention. In general, the components of system 20 areconventional computer components, and include a processor 21 forexecuting instructions for the preprocessor, data handler, and imagegenerator components of FIG. 1. Although FIG. 2 is a system having asingle processor for performing the functions of each processingcomponent, the system could be physically as well as functionallydivided into separate processing components. A program memory 22 storesprogram code. A data memory 23 stores data, and includes a mass memoryfor storing weather database 15. The system also has a graphics display24 and an input device, such as a keyboard 25. A timing unit 26 providestiming signals for real-time displays. The present invention relates tothe use of a computer system, such as that of FIG. 2, which stores andexecutes programming for the simulation system of FIG. 1.

Referring again to FIG. 1, weather database 11 stores data representingreal-world weather conditions. This data is "real world" data in thesense that it represents changing environmental conditions as they mightactually occur.

More specifically, database 11 is a three-dimensional collection of dataelements, each data element representing a volume of airspace. Each dataelement has a set of weather parameters, which includes at least thefollowing scalar and vector values:

    ______________________________________                                        wind speed (x,y,z)     (kts)                                                  location (x,y,z)       (ft)                                                   radar reflectivity     (DBz)                                                  pressure               (mB)                                                   temperature            (K)                                                    ______________________________________                                    

As explained below, these parameters determine how cloud formations aredisplayed. The invention could be implemented with a minimum of three ofthese parameters: wind speed, location, and radar reflectivity. Windspeed is a vector value, having both magnitude and direction.

Radar reflectivity is used to derive liquid water content, and it ispossible that database 11 could already store liquid water contentvalues. For this reason, radar reflectivity values and liquid watercontent values are both referred to herein as "liquid water content"values.

Database 11 can be collected by known means of acquiring weather-relateddata. For example, radar reflectivity values can be generated fromweather radar output. Satellite-based earth observing weather systemsare a source of remotely sensed atmospheric data. Furthermore, eithermeasured parameters or artificially derived parameters, or somecombination, may be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a dataspace 30, which is comprised ofweather data for a geographic area. Dataspace 30 is a three-dimensionalarray of volume data elements 31, and is oriented with respect toearth-referenced coordinates, x,y,z. Although not explicitly shown inFIG. 3, the position and wind coordinates of each data element 31 are ata specific x,y,z point in that data element 31, such as at itscenterpoint. Spacing of data elements 31 is typically uniform, but neednot be.

A typical dataspace 30 might represent a real-world area of 800×800nautical miles. This area might be divided into 2048 data elements 31 inthe x and y directions, and 15 layers in the z direction.

In simple applications, dataspace 30 need not have a known real-worldlocation. In this case, it is only necessary that the order and spacingof the data elements 31 be known so that they can be located in theviewer's coordinate system. In more sophisticated applications, areal-world location of dataspace 30 could be mapped to the viewer'sreal-world location.

As an overview of the invention, preprocessor 14 uses the source datafrom database 11 and user input from interface 13 to generate a visualeffects database 15 of processed data elements 31. Each data element 31has a set of parameters that describe weather-related visual conditionsat that element 31. A simulation interface 16 obtains viewpoint datafrom flight training system 12 and provides it to data handler 17. Datahandler 17 selects data elements 31 that are in the field of view andgenerates a formatted and prioritized display list. Image generator 18generates an image from the display list.

User Interface

User interface 13 receives various types of input from a user to controlthe display. Two types of data that are significant to the invention maybe user-supplied. One type of such data is threshold data, which permitsthe user to specify a threshold for one or more parameters of database11. For example, the user may specify that only liquid water contentvalues over a certain threshold value are significant. Another type ofinput data is time-of-day and day-of-year data, which are used todetermine the visual effect of sunlight. The processing of both types ofdata is explained below in connection with preprocessor 14.

Preprocessor

Preprocessor 14 consists of programming for creating a visual effectsdatabase 15 from the data in database 11. More specifically,preprocessor 14 performs the tasks of subsampling, thresholding, liquidwater content calculation, lighting calculation, coordinatetransformation, and dithering.

Subsampling is an optional step, which reduces the amount of data withindatabase 11 to be processed. For example, every n data elements 31 ineach direction might be transformed into a larger data element thatrepresents the same area. For convenience of description herein,subsampled data elements are also referred to as data elements 31. Topreserve as much information as possible, various interpolation oraveraging techniques may be used to obtain new parameters from those ofthe subsampled data elements 31. Thresholding is another optional stepfor reducing the amount of data to be processed. A threshold value isspecified for one or more parameters in database 11. For example, radarreflectivity is indicative of cloud formation, and any data element 31whose value is below a given threshold is assumed to be clear sky andnot further processed. The default value for thresholding is zero.

For each data element 31, preprocessor 14 calculates its liquid watercontent, R, from its reflectivity value. An example of such ascalculation is: ##EQU1## where refl is the reflectivity value for thedata element 31.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of dataspace 30, in two-dimensions. Eachdata element 31 is either in a cloud or not, as determined by the valueof its liquid water content. Thus, for example, where data element 31(a)has a liquid water content value of zero, it is assumed to be clear skyand is not processed. Data element 31(b) has a liquid water contentvalue greater than zero, but this value does not exceed the threshold.Thus, data element 31(b) is treated as clear sky and not processed. Dataelement 31(c) has a liquid water content that is above the threshold.The boundaries of that data element 31(c) and of all other data elements31 whose liquid water content values exceed the threshold, define theboundaries of the cloud to be visually displayed. These are the dataelements 31 that are further processed after thresholding.

For coordinate transformation, the position coordinates of the dataelements 31, as well as their wind vector coordinates, are transformedinto whatever coordinates are used for the viewer's field of view. Forexample, to make the data consistent with flight training systems,transformation is to north-east-down (N-E-D) coordinates. In the N-E-Dsystem, sea level is at a down of zero and altitude is in negativeunits. North corresponds to a heading of zero degrees and eastcorresponds to a heading of ninety degrees. As a result oftransformation, dataspace 30 is placed in the vicinity of the viewer andis correctly oriented with respect to the user.

For lighting calculations, all light is assumed to be from the sun,whose radiation is modeled as parallel rays. Sun-angle data (time-of-dayand day-of-year) determine the angle of the sun with a planerepresenting the earth's surface. This sun-angle data may be provided bya user via interface 13, or may be automatically provided by timing unit26. Dataspace 30 is assumed to be oriented on a plane parallel to theearth's surface.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the sun-angle data have been used tocalculate an angle, Θ, between the light rays and the plane of theearth. For each data element 31, it can be determined whether other dataelements 31 are interposed between that data element 31 and the sun.

Each data element 31 is assigned an intensity value by first calculatingan illumination value, Ilm, that is a product of the illumination valueof a data element 31 blocking the sunlight and a liquid water contentfactor. An example of this calculation may be expressed as follows:##EQU2## where n+1 identifies the data element 31 whose value iscurrently being calculated and n identifies a data element 31immediately interposed between the sun. The R_(max) and R_(min) valuesare user-defined minimum and maximum values. As an example, they may bespecified as follows: ##EQU3##

In this example, R_(max) is a constant based on a radar reflectivelyvalue of 65 DB, which is a reasonable maximum water content value forrain. The result of the above calculation is an attenuated illuminationvalue that is based on the extent to which illumination of any dataelement 31 is attenuated by the water content of data elements 31between it and the sun.

The Ilm value of each data element 31 is used to calculate its intensityvalue, Int, as follows:

    Int=(Ilm * L.sub.B) (1-L.sub.A)+L.sub.A

where L_(B) and L_(A) are user-defined light brightness and lightambience values.

In the examples of this description, to facilitate computercalculations, all values are normalized on a scale of 0-1. The intensityvalue, Int, also will be a value ranging from 0-1.

FIG. 4 shows intensity values of some data elements 31. In general,those data elements 31 that represent a part of the cloud that faces thesun are bright. Data elements 31 that represent a part of the clouddirectly opposite the sun are dim. "Bright" and "dim" intensity valuesare 1 and 0, respectively. All other data elements 31 would have valuesranging from 1 to 0.

As a result of the above intensity calculations, if the user's line ofsight passes through a cloud, the effect of attenuation will be seen.The amount of attenuation at a given data element 31 is related to theamount of water in the volume of other data elements 31 that a light raymust pass through to arrive at the given data element 31.

Each data element 31 is also assigned a color value and a transparencyvalue. For purposes of this example, a 32-bit value for each dataelement 31 is assumed, with 8 bits for each RGB (red, green blue) colorvalue and 8 bits for a transparency value, A. Each data element 31 isinitially assigned the same base color value and base transparencyvalue. These base values are user-defined and are normalized on a scaleof 0-1. Thus, for RGB values that range from 0-255, color values arescaled from 0-1. As an example, where the base color and transparencyvalues are both 0.5, each data element's intensity value is multipliedby 0.5, resulting in color and transparency values ranging from 0-1.

Dithering reduces the occurrence of visual artifacts in an image. Arandomized offset is applied to the three-dimensional location of eachdata element 31.

Weather Simulation Database

The database 15 generated by preprocessor 14, consists of a list of dataelements 31, each described by the following parameters:

    ______________________________________                                        wind speed (north, east, down)                                                                         (ft/sec)                                             position (north, east, down)                                                                           (ft)                                                 intensity                (0-1)                                                color                    (0-1)                                                transparency             (0-1)                                                pressure                 (mB)                                                 temperature              (K)                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Pressure and temperature values are optionally used for texture, asexplained below in connection with alternative graphics primitiveassignments.

Database 15 consists of spatially and temporally linked files that areretrieved and loaded into active memory as needed during imagegeneration.

Subsystem Interface

Subsystem interface 16 receives the aircraft viewpoint and orientationdata from flight training system 12. As explained below, this data isused to determine a field of view within dataspace 30.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the simulation subsystem 12 also receivesweather data elements 31 via interface 16. When subsystem 12 is a flighttraining system, this permits the flight simulator 12a to simulate theeffects of weather on the aircraft. Subsystem interface 16 continuouslyinterpolates between surrounding data elements 31, using tri-linearinterpolation, to determine the atmospheric forces acting on theaircraft during the simulation. For example, because database 15 is agridded field set of data elements 31, interface 16 may interpolate theeight data elements 31 that comprise a volume surrounding the aircraft.The result can be used to model the wind speed, or some other weathercondition, acting on the aircraft. This process occurs continuously asthe aircraft moves through the environment represented by the database15.

Simulator 12a uses the interpolated data from interface 16 to modify itsequations of motion, such as are used to determine speed, attitude, andorientation. In this manner, the aircraft's behavior is consistent withwhat is visually displayed.

Data Handler

Data handler 17 retrieves data from database 15 and viewpoint data frominterface 16. In general, data handler 17 performs the operationsnecessary to generate a prioritized display list of data elements 31that are in the field of view. This display list is used by imagegenerator 18 to render a display that appears three-dimensional. Datahandler 17 is scheduled by timing unit 26 to assure periodic imageupdates and synchronization with image generator 18.

For display list generation, data handler 17 accesses database 15 andoperates on each data element 31 individually. It performs severaloperations with respect to each data element 31: culling, sorting,graphics primitive assignment, and depth bin assignment.

Culling determines what data elements 31 are in the current field ofview of the system 10. Each data element 31 is considered to determinewhether it is between a near clipping distance and a far clippingdistance. Those that are within this range are further considered todetermine whether they are within an up-down and left-right range withrespect to a two-dimensional image frame.

Culling operations may be performed with vector projection techniques,using the viewer's current viewpoint vector, VP, as a reference. Theculling process is repeated as the user's viewpoint vector changes. Ifthe user is in continuation motion, as is the case when simulator 10 isused for flight simulation, a field of view update occurs every frame.If a data element 31 is not in the field of view no further processingneed be performed.

FIG. 5 illustrates dataspace 30 as a series of transparent planes. Thefield of view is illustrated by dashed lines. The intersection ofdataspace 30 and the field of view determines which data elements 31 arewithin the field of view.

For sorting, data handler 17 determines how to traverse the database 15so that the data elements 31 are accessed in an order that is based onthe distance between the data element 31 and the viewpoint. Dataelements 31 that are closest to the viewpoint are processed first.

As an example of one method of sorting, data elements 31 that are withinthe field of view are sorted by means of three nested loops. The primarysort is back-to-front, and the secondary sorts are left-to-right andtop-to-bottom. Of course, the order of the primary sort could befront-to-back, with the "beginning" of the list at its end. In eithercase, the primary sort is by depth. The order of the secondary sortscould be right-to-left or bottom-to-top.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back-left-top priority of sorting. The first sortorders the data in back to front order, a second orders it left toright, and a third orders it top to bottom. Other sorting methods couldbe used, with the result being a prioritized list of data elements 31,based on their location in the field of view, from which each dataelement 31 can be accessed according to its depth and from which alldata elements 31 of the same depth can be accessed.

FIG. 5A illustrates the spatial distribution of the culled and sorteddata elements 31. Each data element 31 is illustrated in accordance withits wind vector. Only those data elements 31 having a liquid watercontent above a threshold have been illustrated, and are those dataelements 31 that will be represented as clouds. The data elements 31 aredrawn in perspective, such that data elements 31 that are closer arelarger and more widely spaced.

For visual weather displays, a next step of display list generation isthe assignment of a graphics primitive to each data element 31. In afirst embodiment, each data element 31 is assigned a polygon-basedprimitive, known as a "splat". In mathematical terms, a splat is athree-dimensional point spread function about the data element 31. Aresulting two-dimensional splat shape is assigned to each data element31, based on a transformation of that data element's wind vector ontothe image plane.

More specifically, the three dimensional point-spread function appliedat each data element 31 is implemented as a three-dimensional ellipsoid,such that the longest axis through the ellipsoid is coincident with thedirection of the associated wind vector. The splat shape varies fromround to elliptical depending on the magnitude of the wind vector. Thegreater the wind speed, the more elliptical the splat. The length of thelongest axis is determined by the magnitude of the wind vector and ascale factor. The lengths of the other two axes are set to some valuethat is a portion of the length, typically one-half. During imagegeneration, the ellipsoid, oriented along the wind vector, is projectedonto the image plane as a two-dimensional ellipse. As the viewpointvector changes, the ellipse is rotated so that it maintains a desiredrelationship between its wind vector and the viewpoint vector.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate three different splats. The data element 31 whosesplat is illustrated in FIG. 6A has a wind vector value of zero, thusits splat is round. The data element 31 whose splat is illustrated inFIG. 6B has a higher wind velocity value than the data element 31 whosesplat is illustrated in FIG. 6C. The data elements 31 whose splats areillustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C have wind vectors in the same direction.It should be understood that FIGS. 6B and 6C are two-dimensionalrepresentations of a three dimensional wind vector, thus the windvector's apparent magnitude is a projection of the true vector into theview area.

After each splat is constructed, it is colored and illuminated accordingto the parameters of its associated data element 31. The illumination isdetermined by the transparency value, alpha, calculated duringpreprocessing. A maximum alpha value, typically the same as thetransparency value, is set for the center of the splat shape. The edgesof the splat have zero alpha values. Each splat has alpha values thatvary across it as a Gaussian function, with the largest value in thecenter and tapering to a zero value at the edges.

The splat shape along with its varying alpha function is the "footprint"of the particular splat. For perspective imaging, the footprint for thesplat of each data element 31 is scaled by its distance from theviewpoint. Thus, splats that are farther away from the field of vieworigin will appear smaller.

After graphics primitives are assigned, each data element 31 isconsidered for filling "depth bins", which facilitates the rendering ofthree-dimensional aspects of the image. For this task, the field of viewis first divided into "viewing bins".

FIG. 7 illustrates how the field of view is divided into "viewing bins",projected to the viewing plane 70. In this example, there are fourviewing bins, but any number could be used. In general, the more viewingbins, the more realistically the image can be rendered.

Each viewing bin is "covered" by locating splats, sorted by distance, onthe viewing plane and determining whether the area of the viewing bin iscovered. Splats whose data elements 31 are closest to the field of vieworigin have the highest priority. A front-to-back traversal through thedatabase 15 is performed to cover the viewing bins. In other words, thesplats of the "frontmost" data elements 31 are used first, with thecovering process being repeated for splats of data elements 31 ofincreasing depth. Each splat is assumed to be scaled for a perspectiveview as well as to the dimensions of the display, so that a relationshipbetween the dimensions of each splat and the dimensions of the imageplane can be determined.

FIG. 8 illustrates the viewing plane 70, with its viewing bins beingcovered by a first layer of splats. The splats of the frontmost dataelements 31 are being used to cover the viewing bins first. Furthermore,in accordance with a front-top-left, prioritized database traversal, thesplats of top data elements 31 are used before bottom ones, etc. Theviewing bin in the top left corner is considered "covered" because thesplat dimensions cover a certain percentage of its area.

Each viewing bin is covered in the same manner. If a first pass of alldata elements 31 of a given depth does not cover the image plane 70,another pass is made with data elements 31 farther away. Each set ofsplats that covers the image plane once is a set of splats for one"depth bin". This covering process is repeated until the viewing binshave been covered a predetermined number of times or until all dataelements in database 15 have been used, whichever occurs first. Splatsare added to the display list if they fall into a depth bin that is notfull. A depth bin is considered full when it has been covered apredetermined number of times.

Image Generator

Image generator 18 generates an image from the display list that isproduced by data handler 17. Where subsystem 12 has a display 12b, imagegenerator 18 could be integrated with subsystem 12. As discussed above,the display list is a prioritized list of data elements 31, eachassociated with a graphics primitive (splat) and a number of datavalues.

For generating a display, the data in the deepest depth bin are usedfirst, then the remaining data, forward through the depth bins. Aprocess generally known as "rasterization" is performed to draw graphicsprimitives with pixel values.

An alpha-blending process is used to produce the appearance ofthree-dimensions. An alpha-blending function combines existing pixelvalues with new pixel values instead of overwriting them. Existing pixelvalues are obtained from the background or other previously drawnobjects. The current pixel display value is replaced with a weightedaverage of the new and existing pixel value. Given an alpha valuebetween zero and one, the new pixel value is weighted by alpha and theexisting pixel value is weighted by one less alpha. Because of this typeof alpha-blending function, a visually realistic weather scene isgenerated when everything in the scene is drawn in a back-to-frontorder.

An example of an alpha blending function is:

    P'.sub.dest =min(255, (P.sub.src * A.sub.src)+(P.sub.dest * (1-A.sub.src)))

Each R,G,B and A value for the current pixel, P'_(dest) is calculatedfrom the R,G,B, and A values of the underlying pixel, P_(dest). P_(src)and A_(src) are the new color and alpha values. The "min" functionensures that the calculated value does not exceed the maximum R,G,B or Avalue, here 255. The result is a 32-bit pixel value, useable byconventional display generation systems.

The two-dimensional splat shape and footprint is approximated with acollection of Gourard-shaped polygons configured in a tri-meshstructure. Conventional display generation systems draw these polygonsefficiently. These polygons can be used to build the number of angularsubdivisions, the number of radial subdivisions, and a color andtransparency value at each radial distance. The Gourard shadingalgorithm generates the approximated footprint by resolving the linearinterpolation of the alpha-blend value across the splat shape.

Other Graphics Primitives

As an alternative to assigning splat graphics primitives, data handler17 assigns other types of primitives to each data element 31. Onealternative primitive is referred to as a "billboard". Each billboard isa rectangular shape, which like a splat, approximates an ellipsoid. Likea splat, its shape and orientation are determined by the magnitude ofthe wind vector.

FIG. 9 illustrates how billboards are used to cover the image plane.Each billboard is aligned with the wind vector of the associated dataelement 31. In a manner similar to that used for splats, billboardsassociated with data elements 31 in front to back order, beginning atone end of the prioritized display list. The billboards are used tocover the image plane in one or more depth bins. Once billboards areassigned, image generation occurs in back to front order.

Billboards are used in conjunction with a texture library. A specifictexture is assigned to each billboard, as determined by ameteorologically based look-up table or other reference. Textures aredetermined by parameters obtained from database 11.

FIG. 9 illustrates a two-dimensional texture look-up table having 16textures, which are selected in accordance with wind and liquid watercontent parameters. For each data element 31, a wind texture value,T_(wind), is determined as follows:

    T.sub.wind =(W-W.sub.min) (K.sub.A)+K.sub.B

where W is the magnitude of the wind vector of that data element 31 andW_(min) is a user-defined wind threshold. K_(A) and K_(B) areuser-defined constants, which limit the texture values to apredetermined range, here 1-4. A reflectivity texture value, T_(Refl),is determined as follows:

    T.sub.Refl =(R-R.sub.min) (C.sub.A)+C.sub.B

where R is the reflectivity value of the data element 31 and R_(min) isa user-defined threshold. C_(A) and C_(B) are user-defined constants,which limit the texture values to a range of 1-4.

For a data element 31 whose texture values were T_(wind) =2.5 andT_(refl) =3.5, texture T3 would be assigned to the billboard for thatdata element 31. The range of values for each texture type correspondsto the number of available textures, here 4×4. High wind andreflectivity values are associated with rain-type textures, such as T4.Low values are associated with clearer textures, such as T13.

Other textures could be derived from other parameters, such as pressureand temperature. As an example, temperature and pressure could beconsidered ambient, such that different look-up tables could be used fordifferent pressure and temperature ranges.

Texture levels of detail are maintained in the library to supportviewing resolution as a function of the location of weather dataelements 31. Data elements 31 closer to the viewpoint are mapped withhigher detail textures than those that are far away. Thus, the look-uptable could be three-dimensional, with the third dimension being a rangevalue.

Other than their rectangular shape and texture, billboards are handledthe same as described above for splats. Textures have alpha values thatare blended as described above. Like splats, billboards are rotated sothat they are always normal to the viewpoint vector, VP.

Subsystems Other than Flight Simulation

As stated above, subsystems 12 other than a "through-the-window" flighttraining system could be used with weather simulator 10. For example,subsystem 12 could be a flight training system 12b with a display 12b ofcockpit radar instrumentation. Or, subsystem 12 could be a simulation ofremotely controlled machinery being observed in various weatherenvironments.

The subsystem interface 16 provides appropriate field of view data foruse by data handler 17 in a manner similar to that used for aircraftfield of view data. For example, for a radar display, subsystem 12 wouldprovide field of view data determined by the range and azimuth of theradar.

Typically, subsystem 12 provides some sort of visual display that isaffected by weather conditions. In the radar example, the weatherconditions affect the radar color map. In the remotely controlledmachinery example, conditions such as rain can be illustrated. In anyevent, data handler 17 associates some sort of graphical data with theprioritized data elements, which it provides to image generator 18. Forradar displays, the graphical data could be simply a color value.

As stated above, simulation interface 16 provides data elements 31 tothe subsystem 12 for use in modifying equations of motion. In the radarexample, this permits subsystem 12 to simulate the effects of weather onthe motion of the aircraft, in a manner similar to the "through thewindow" simulation described above. In the remotely controlled machineryexample, the effects of weather on the operation of the machine can beobserved. A key feature of the invention is the transformation of realworld data, to generate a prioritized display list.

Data handler 17 performs the same culling and sorting functions togenerate a prioritized display list.

Other Embodiments

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitingsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover allmodifications that fall within the true scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using a computer to provide displaydata representing weather conditions based on real-world weather data,comprising the steps of:accessing a real-world weather database toobtain a three-dimensional set of data elements, each data elementhaving at least a location value and a liquid water content value;receiving illumination angle data from which the angle of anillumination source with respect to the earth's surface can becalculated; calculating a transparency value for each of said dataelements, using said liquid water content value and said illuminationdata; culling said data elements to determine which are within afield-of-view, to obtain a set of field-of-view data elements; sortingsaid field-of-view data elements to form a list of data elements indepth order; assigning a graphics primitive to each of saidfield-of-view data elements; covering an image plane with the graphicprimitives associated with the frontmost of said field-of-view dataelements, such ath a certain percentage of said image plane is covered;repeating said covering step, using said field-of-view data elements infront to back order, until the image plane has been covered apredetermined number of times or until a predetermined number of saidfield-of-view data elements have been used; and assigning saidfield-of-view data elements to one or more depth bins on the basis ofthe results of said covering step, so as to generate a prioritizeddisplay list.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofdetermining whether a value of said data elements exceeds a threshold,and wherein said calculating step and all subsequent steps are performedwith respect to those data elements for which said threshold isexceeded.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps oftransforming the location values associated with said data elements to acoordinate system different from that of said real-world weatherdatabase.
 4. The method of claim 1, where said culling step is performedby obtaining said field-of-view from an external data source.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said illumination source is the sun and saidillumination angle data is sun angle data.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said calculating step is performed by calculating an intensityvalue for each data element based on whether its illumination isattenuated by other data elements, and using said intensity value todetermine said transparency value.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinsaid intensity value of each data element is derived from an attenuatedillumination value that is based on the illumination value of a dataelement interposed between said each data element and said illuminationsource.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said intensity value of eachdata element is calculated as a function of an attenuated illuminationvalue and a brightness value.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein saidcalculating step is performed so as to calculate a color value as wellas said tarnsparency value, using said liquid water content value andsaid illumination angle data.
 10. The method of calim 1, wherein saidfield-of-view is repeatedly updated and wherein said culling step andall subsequent steps are repeated in accordance with field-of-viewupdates.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein each said graphics primitivehas one or more pixels.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein each saiddata element also has a wind vector value and wherein each said graphicsprimitive is an ellipsoid, having an elongation determined by the windvector value of a data element associated with that graphics primitive.13. The method of claim 1, wherein each said graphics primitive is anellipsoid with an illumination value and a transparency value derivedfrom the data element associated with that graphics primitive.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each said graphics primitive is approximatedas rectangles, having an assigned texture derived from a data elementassociated with that graphics primitive.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein said steps of culling, sorting, assigning, covering, andprioritizing are performed sufficiently fast so as to permit a real-timedisplay of said display data.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein saidfield-of-view is represented by a field-of-view vecto, and furthercomprising the step of rotating the plane of each said graphicsprimitive such that it is normal to a field-of-view vector.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of delivering saiddisplay list to a simulation system that displays the weather in aviewing field of regard.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprisingthe step of rasterizing said display list after said prioritizing step.19. The method of claim 18, wherein said rasterizing step is performedby assigning pixel values to the graphics primitives in the deepest ofsaid depth bins using the transparency values assigned to the dataelement associated with each graphics primitive, and repeating saidassigning step to obtain pixel values for each of said depth bins, inback to front order, such that for each pixel, the transparency value ofan underlying pixel is used to derive a pixel value.
 20. A weathersimulator for generating display data representing simulated weatherconditions based on real-world weather data, comprising:a preprocessorfor (1) accessing a real-world database to obtain a three-dimensionalset of data elements, each data element having at least a location valueand a liquid water content value, and (2) using said liquid watercontent value and illumination angle data to calculate a transparencyvalue for each of said data elements; a memory for storing said dataelements; and a data handler for (1) culling said data elements todetermine which are in a field-of-view, to obtain a set of field-of-viewdata elements, (2) sorting said field-of-view data elements to form alist of data elements in depth order, (3) assigning a graphics primitiveto each of said field-of-view data elements, (4) covering an image planewith the graphics primitives associated with the frontmost of saidfield-of-view data elements, such that a certain percentage of saidimage plane is covered; (5) repeating said covering step, using saidfield-of-view data elements in front to back order, until the imageplane has been covered a predetermined number of times or until apredetermined number of said field-of-view data elements have been used;and (6) assigning said field-of-view data elements to one or more depthbins on the basis of the results of said covering step, so as togenerate a prioritized display list.
 21. The simulator of claim 20,further comprising a subsystem interface for rerceiving saidillumination angle data and delivering said data to said data handler.22. The simulator of claim 21, wherein said subsystem interface receivessaid illumination angle data via input by a user.
 23. The simulator ofclaim 21, wherein said subsystem has a timer for generating saidillumination data is time-of-day data.
 24. The simulator of claim 20,further comprising a subsystem interface for receiving threshold dataspecifying a threshold of a data element value, and wherein said datahandler operates only on those data elements for which said threshold isexceeded.
 25. The simulator of claim 20, further comprising a subsysteminterface for receiving field-of-view data from a simulator to determinesaid field-of-view, and for deilvering said display data to saidsimulator.
 26. The simulator of claim 21, further comprising an imagegenerator for rasterizing said graphics primitives by (1) assigningpixel values to the graphics primitives in the deepest of said depthbins, using the transparency values assigned to the data elementassociated with each graphics primitive; and (2) repeating saidassigning step to obtain pixel values for each of said depth bins, inback to front order, such that for each pixel, the transparency value ofan underlying pixel is used to derive a pixel value.
 27. The simulatoror claim 20, wherein said preprocessor further transforms said locationvalues to a different coordinate system.
 28. The simulator of claim 20,wherein each said data element also has a wind vector value and whereinsaid graphics primitives are ellipsoids, each having an elongationdetermined by the wind vector value of the associated data element. 29.The simulator of claim 20, wherein said simulator operates sufficientlyfast so as to provide display data for real time.